Terror Strikes Again in Iran: Eleven Police Officers Killed in Rask
A brutal attack on a police headquarters in the southern Iranian city of Rask left eleven officers dead and seven others injured in the early hours of the night. The incident took place in the province of Sistan and Balochistan, according to reports from the Tasnim news agency, which is associated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. Several attackers were also killed during the violence, as per the same source.
The Sunni separatist group Jaysh al-Adl claimed responsibility for the bloodshed, as reported by Tasnim. The situation at the scene was swiftly brought under control, but authorities conducted a helicopter search in the nearby region near the Pakistani border to locate any remaining members of the group.
The Rask attack is not an isolated occurrence in Iran, as Jaysh al-Adl has a history of involvement in criminal activities in the region. Previously, the Iranian authorities, including its police force, have worked diligently to combat such terrorism, given the group's record of attacks in cities like Tehran. The recent episode in Rask serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism in the country.
Insight: Group Background and Motives
Jaysh al-Adl, meaning "Army of Justice" in Arabic, is a Sunni separatist militant group primarily operating in the Sistan-Baluchistan province of Iran.
The group emerged as the successor to Jundullah, a Baluch militant organization, in 2012. Jundullah was responsible for occasional attacks against Iranian security forces but was largely dismantled following a government crackdown and the execution of its leader, Abdolmalek Rigi, in 2010.
The group's current leader is Salahuddin Farooqi. Abu Talha al-Makki-another prominent figure-helped establish Jaish al-Adl but left to form Jaish al-Nassr before the two groups merged in 2017.
Jaysh al-Adl has intensified its attacks against Iranian security forces in recent months, with notable attacks taking place in April 2023, December 2023, and January 2024. The group's primary sources of funding include wealthy Baluch individuals based in the Arab Persian Gulf states, drug smuggling, and weapons procured from the black market and potentially from U.S. and Israeli sources.
The group has gained support from the local population due to feelings of discrimination and violence from the Iranian authorities. Their remote operating area makes it challenging for Iran to maintain control and influence in the region.
The Impact on Iran-Pakistan Relations
The activities of Jaysh al-Adl have strained Iran-Pakistan relations. Iran has accused Pakistan of not effectively addressing the group's activities on its territory. Pakistani authorities dispute this claim, denying the presence of an organized Jaysh al-Adl presence within their borders.
In response to Iranian strikes against Jaysh al-Adl targets in Pakistan, Pakistani forces carried out air strikes against separatist groups in Iran.
The International Response
Both Iran and the United States have designated Jaysh al-Adl as a terrorist organization. The group has recently taken advantage of modern fundraising techniques by launching an initiative to collect donations in cryptocurrencies.
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